Commander Li feigned grief in front of Commander Lu and the Political Commissar of the Military Region, saying, "Commander, Political Commissar, it is truly heartbreaking and infuriating that our army has produced such a hypocritical and inhuman scoundrel. As his superior, I have failed to properly guide my subordinate. If you wish to punish me, I will not utter a single complaint."
Commander Lu and the political commissar maintained serious expressions, but inwardly they couldn't help but applaud him; his acting was truly convincing.
Commander Lu said, "Old Li, don't say that yet. Let's deal with this matter first."
"Yes, yes, let's deal with this matter first. We should quickly take the witnesses we found to Xiao Xue's ward, find out the whole story, and then hand that scoundrel over to the military court for trial, giving Comrade Zhang Jinfeng a satisfactory explanation."
"Alright, let's move over there together," Commander Lu said.
Commander Li was full of confidence, certain that he could eliminate Xue Yanchen this time, so he and the others went to the ward in a grand procession.
Grandma Xue and Luo Jingyan were both in the ward with Xue Yanchen. After they came in, half of the small ward was filled with people.
Commander Li was the first to attack Xue Yanchen, his voice carrying a feigned low tone.
"Battalion Commander Xue, after our investigation in Renjiazhai, we have brought back two more witnesses. They can both testify that you had an improper relationship with Comrade Zhang Jinfeng, and that you threatened and coerced Comrade Zhang Jinfeng. We should give Comrade Zhang Jinfeng an explanation."
Then, he looked at the old woman and the thug his men had brought over, pointed at Xue Yanchen and said, "Look at him, isn't it him who bullied Comrade Zhang Jinfeng from your village?"
The two nodded together.
“Yes, yes, yes, it’s him, no doubt about it,” the old lady said.
“I saw it too. That day he grabbed Comrade Zhang Jinfeng, covered her mouth, and took her behind the corn stalk stack.”
Upon hearing their testimonies, Zhang Jinfeng burst into tears again.
"Second Aunt, Brother Zhao San'er, does the whole village know about this? How am I supposed to face people when I get back?"
As the old lady spoke, she revealed her gap-toothed front teeth: "Jin Feng, don't cry yet. The most important thing is to get the leader to stand up for you and make that bad person get his comeuppance."
Commander Li then turned his gaze to Xue Yanchen, "Battalion Commander Xue, you saw it and heard it, didn't you? The villagers of Renjiazhai have personally testified against you, and Comrade Zhang Jinfeng is already pregnant. What else do you have to say? Don't you admit the crimes you've committed? Alas, you have already let down the Party and the people's expectations of you, and you have failed the leaders' cultivation of you."
"It's a disgrace to the entire military region to have a scoundrel like you in the army. It's a pity you're talented but lack virtue, unable to continue using your abilities for good; it's also a regret for the military region. Commander, Political Commissar, the truth of this matter has come to light. Have the doctor come and examine him, and find out when he can be discharged so we can hand him over to the military court for processing. The military court will then decide how he should compensate Comrade Zhang Jinfeng."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Jinfeng knelt down before him, saying, "Your Honor, you are truly my Honor! Thank you for standing up for me, thank you!"
As she spoke, she kowtowed to Commander Li.
Division Commander Li helped her up: "Comrade, please don't do this. Solving problems for the people and punishing corrupt elements in the army are things we should do. There's no need for thanks."
Zhang Jinfeng stood up, wiping away her tears, "I still want to thank you for standing up for me. Thank you for being such good leaders and comrades who stand up for the people."
Commander Li chuckled and said, "Of course, of course."
When he led the two people to testify against Xue Yanchen, neither Xue Yanchen himself, nor the old lady Xue and Luo Jingyan who were protecting him, stood up to defend themselves, nor did they show any excessive emotions.
They must have nothing more to say.
"Commander, Political Commissar, what do you think? It's time to give our people a satisfactory explanation." He turned to Commander Lu and the Political Commissar with a righteous and awe-inspiring expression.
Commander Lu and the political commissar remained calm and composed. Commander Lu's feelings were somewhat complicated upon seeing their demeanor.
"Old Li, but I still can't agree with the results of this investigation."
"Why?"
Division Commander Li frowned as he looked at Army Commander Lu, his heart suddenly filled with unease. He knew that Army Commander Lu was not one to speak carelessly; did his words indicate that he had discovered something?
Commander Lu looked at him with disappointment, then added, "Not only do I disagree, but the political commissar won't agree either. Old Li, let me let you meet a few people first, and then we'll talk."
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